Planetarium and stargazing on the agenda at PARI

A summer night sky viewing event and open house will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 14, at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute campus high in the mountains of the Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County.

Activities will include a tour of the institute’s campus, a presentation in its planetarium and, weather permitting, celestial observations using state-of-the-art telescopes. The program is part of the institute’s monthly “Evening at PARI” series.

This program is designed for all ages and all knowledge levels — from astronomy newcomers up to those who have been observing all their lives. The program will take place regardless of the weather so attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for being outside and to wear comfortable walking shoes. Each participant will also have the opportunity to have a photo taken with a telescope.

Reservations are required and will be accepted until 3 p.m. the day of the event. $20 per adult, $15 for seniors/military and $10 for children under 14.